[miss marmelstein]

I’m very curious why you chose to write this piece - you live in CT and work in NYC. You must have known you were in trouble once your family suggested this. Are you just attacking our great city?

Last Christmas I took a British friend to see that damned tree. It was a miserable experience but I blamed my stupidity - not my beloved city.

[SamAdams76]

It was meant to come across somewhat tongue-in-cheek.

Also to serve as object lessons for others.

1) When in NYC, do not purchase tickets from street vendors
2) Expect massive crowds in NYC during Christmas week and avoid popular tourist destinations

I did mention at the end of the piece that our overall day in NYC was a success, from our earlier trip to Times Square to the dinner at the end of the day. So not intended to be a NYC-bashing story!

[jaz.357]

I lived 12 miles from midtown Manhattan on the Jersey side. It took 1 1/2 hours to commute. You can keep it!